AARP takes a stand on issues before the state legislature

Published 6:00 pm, Saturday, February 12, 2011

AARP has taken a stand on eight legislative issues, according to the AARP Advocacy Team in Austin. These issues are included under the categories long-term care, health care, and financial security.

There is a proposed 10 percent cut in rates of long-term care providers. AARP strongly supports keeping the rates at the current rate and I agree with this position. A cut would take a heavy toll on consumers who use Medicaid-funded nursing homes and community-based long-term care. Medicaid assists two-thirds of Texas nursing home residents. According to the information I've seen, 54,000 Texas nursing home residents would be put at risk.

For the more than 125,000 seniors in community-based long-term care programs, these rate cuts would reduce the supply of home care workers, thus forcing frail seniors into nursing homes. Many older citizens want to stay in their homes and this is made possible only because they have in-home care provided for them.

We long have needed a better way to access services for our senior citizens or people with disabilities. AARP proposes a single point of entry for services, or "front door" policy, that would benefit so many. AARP is backing a pilot program in three sites to test a comprehensive, single point of entry for long-term care services. Look up SB30 and HB329 for more information. When I had to deal with this issue with my dad, it was a nighmare.

I don't know too much about the Star+Plus program but evidently this has been in place in most metropolitan areas of the state and by this month, roughly 220,000 seniors and people with disabilities will be forced to enroll in a Star+Plus health plan to receive community-based long-term services and support. AARP says we need legislation that requires improved data collection, improved consumer information and better quality oversight of this plan.

We now have 12,000 advanced practice registered nurses in Texas who have certification and training. They have national certification but current Texas law limits their practice. With our aging population, we are in need of more doctors. Perhaps these nurses who are certified to screen, diagnose and prescribe for patients could step in and relieve the burden placed on doctors today. I certainly agree with AARP in its recommendation to change the law so these nurses can practice to their fullest.

Another health issue AARP supports is making Texas a smoke-free environment. If all ofour public facilities were smoke free, including our parks, that would curtail smoking to homes only. We have made some headway on this issue, but more is needed. I am not a smoker and I can assure you I do not want to be around anyone who smokes, nor do I want my children and grandchildren to be exposed to smoke.